Related Articles - Page 21
Governor Doyle, County Executive Walker, Some Explanation is Needed
On Wednesday Governor Doyle announced plans to spend the first $300 million out of $550 million stimulus funds on 63 road construction and repair projects in 30 counties.
Feb 14th, 2009 by Dave Reid
What is the Problem in the Park East?
Changes proposed to lure developers to Park East lots.
Jan 19th, 2009 by Dave Reid
Open Letter to Mayor Barrett Concerning Transit
On Monday, November 10th, your representative to the Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Sharon Robinson, will cast an important vote for the future of transit in our city and region. We write to you to encourage her to vote "yes" to any sales tax funding proposals. While we have recently outlined why we think RTA's are an efficient way to deliver regional services, we have a few more things we think you should consider.
Nov 6th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Transit As A Means To Combat Poverty (Blog Action Day 2008 – Poverty)
Poverty as defined by Princeton's Wordnet is "the state of having little or no money and few or no material possessions." Too often people believe poverty means unemployment. It does not. Those that are unemployed likely do live in poverty, but there are a significant number of people that live in poverty and have jobs. In 2006 Milwaukee had the eighth-highest rate of poverty of large US cities, with 26.2% of people living below the federal poverty line. To put that percentage to an actual headcount, 26.2% of the city of Milwaukee's population is 143,000 people. By comparison, Wisconsin's poverty rate is 11% accounting for 581,000 residents, nearly 200,000 of which are children. How does transit play a role in poverty?
Oct 15th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Finally Activity at Park East Square
On December 21st 2007 RSC & Associates signed an agreement to purchase a parcel of land, known as Block 26, in the Park East Freeway corridor from Milwaukee County. It was believed at the time of the sale that RSC & Associates would break ground on two new hotels within a 90 days. Understandably development projects take a time and as this project nears its third year, finally there is a small sign of progress at the site. RSC & Associates have begun erecting the construction fence. Although this project has had a troubled history with its lengthy delays, numerous changes, and squabbling in the press, potentially this project will be getting in the ground and the next development in the Park East will begin to rise this summer.
Apr 23rd, 2008 by Dave Reid
New Park East Request for Proposals
Milwaukee Skyline Originally uploaded by compujeramey Milwaukee County intends to issue a request for proposals (RFP) for a Park East corridor plot of land on the western end of the reclaimed land, near the former Pabst brewery. With developments finally getting off the ground on formerly RFP’ed plots on the eastern end of the corridor, and redevelopment moving full speed ahead at The Brewery it seems logical to move forward at this time and put another plot up for sale. The proposed plot is the one east of 6th Street, north of West Winnebago Street, and south of McKinley Avenue. On the flip side, Robert Ruvin had a harder time securing a loan for his development inbetween 3rd and 4th Streets after the market began to turn. Construction hasn’t even started there yet, and a demo unit is in the works to begin condo sales starting in April. Is it therefore logical to put the chance of another development on the market and potentially damage development going on on other parcels? Yes, well it would be great if the county could let every development get to 100% before triggering another I think it’s important to continue to grease the wheels for other developments to get off the ground. Plus, in all reality by the time the county put out the RFP, it’s going to be at least two years before construction even breaks ground. That will give other developments plenty of time to sell units.. The worst thing that could happen is the current credit crunch could toward around, and for the downtown area to be caught with a lack of available units and development going on. If people want to move downtown, and it appears they do, the county and city should continue to encourage developers to get projects off the ground that produce urban infill and add to the strength of downtown. They’ve done a good job of that so far, and I hope they don’t pull this sale in the event of a market downturn. I expect that further development in the corridor is only going to accelerate the pace of sales and leasing of space, and increase the amount of developers wanting to put up buildings. It’s hard to sell someone on living next to a bunch of gravel lots, but it’s going to be ease to sell them on living amongst a lot of new, pedestrian-friendly developments within walking distance of the city’s best assets.
Mar 24th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
County Looking To Add Bike Racks To Buses
milw_city_bus Originally uploaded by mechanikat Despite Scott Walker‘s consistent insistence that the Milwaukee County Transit System is just a step short of going completely broke, Milwaukee County is proposing to add bicycle racks to the front of the bus fleet. The announcement comes in wake of a proposed settlement for releasing asbestos during the destruction of the Courthouse Annex (the beautiful building over Interstate 43). One bad for one good. I’m all for the addition of bike racks as it increases an individuals mobility without a car, if this is the route that things have to go to get the racks, sure I’ll take it. This goes further to help people than the county paying a fine to the state. On the flip side, the county seems to think they can get federal grants and private funds to pay for a lot of the cost. So they’re clearly doing this to try to kill two birds with one stone. As long as it happens, I’m a happy biker.
Feb 11th, 2008 by Jeramey Jannene
Karen Ordinans’ Role in Shaping the Pension Plan
One of the remarkable stories in local government is the continuing survival of County Board chair Karen Ordinans.
Apr 21st, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Why Unions Don’t Like Scott Walker
Given that Jim Ryan has not closed the door completely on privatizing some government functions, you might wonder why he was endorsed by labor for county executive.
Apr 12th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Has the Teacher’s Union Taken Over the GOP?
It was not long ago that the state teacher's union was the designated villain for Republicans.
Mar 19th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Why Gov. McCallum’s Spending Priorities Were Wrong
As the legislature wrestles with the state budget deficit, there has been talk of cutting every level of government except the schools.
Mar 14th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
Is Nardelli Qualified To Be County Executive?
Nothing should surprise us about county government at this point, but it does seem odd that the two favorites in the race for county executive are Scott Walker and Tom Nardelli, neither of whom has a college degree.
Mar 6th, 2002 by Bruce Murphy
